First Day of School 2009

This year we have 2 of our 3 kids in school. Katie started 3rd grade and Nicole started Pre-school. Katie's is really happy with her teacher and is loving 3rd grade. Her classroom moved to the second level of the school building. It was evidently a bigger move than I had anticipated because Katie was a little anxious and worried the first day. Once we got past the first 5 minutes she started talking to her friends and I think all of her worries were forgotten.

Nicole was very excited about going to school like her big sister Katie. She has a rolling backpack just like her sister. She loves riding the "Mommy bus" as we affectionately call the van on Tues. and Thurs. of each week. Nicole had no issues with separation her first day of school. Ryan, however had some separation issues. He did not want to leave Nicole's classroom. They always have a lot of cool toys out when we drop Nicole off. It is very hard to understand why he can not stay and play. It is getting a little easier for him. I really enjoy the special time that Ryan and I get to spend together.

Memorial Day

I am a little behind on my posting. I started back to school this summer and studying takes up most of my free time. The good news: I am halfway through my first class! Yeh!

We took a family trip down to Williamsburg, VA over Memorial Day. It was a long trip getting there but we had a good time once we arrived. You can see all the pictures in the slide show at the right of the screen. We went to Jamestown the first day. I highly reccomend it for anyone with kids. It was a lot of fun. There were many hands on activities for the kids. They had a great time checking out the fort, ships, and indian village. We also spent lots of time at the pool. The weather was beautiful. We also had an opportunity to visit Yorktown and the little beach at Yorktown. After driving for what seemed forever to get to Williamsburg Jim and I were not excited about driving any distance for the beach so we took the kids to the small beach in Yorktown. They got to play in the sand and water and they had a blast! It was a great trip and I think the kids might have even learned a few things about American History. I hope!

Happy Birthday Ryan!

Ryan turned 2 at the end of April. I can hardly believe that my baby is 2! Ryan is so much fun. He is all boy and with two big sisters there are not a lot of "boy" toys to be passed down. I found a lot of old beat up tonka trucks on ebay and he loved it! We made Ryan a little teddybear cake for his birthday. I wanted to try and make a truck but I decided the bear would be easier given the time constraints. I think it turned out pretty cute and everyone enjoyed the chocolate frosting! Happy Birthday Ryan!

A Conversation with my 3 year old...

Today we went to Walmart and bought some birthday wrapping paper for Ryan's birthday gifts. We are a little behind due to our trip to Williamsburg. More on the trip later. Nicole really wanted to play with the wrapping paper for some reason. I said "No, that is for Ryan's birthday."

Nicole: "Ryan's birthday?"
Mom: "Yes, we are going to have a party for Ryan's birthday this weekend."
Nicole: "A party!?"
Mom: "Yes, you will have to help daddy make a cake for Ryan."
Nicole: "I love cake! We can make a princess cake!"
Mom: "Do you think Ryan likes princess cakes?"
Nicole: "Yes!"
Mom: "Well, Daddy was thinking of making a bear cake."
Nicole: "I LOVE bear cakes! They're round and yummy and sweet and look like a bear!"
Mom: "Nicole, I love you!"

Maybe I am biased but it was the cutest thing and it really made my day. She is so darn cute sometimes.

April

April has been a busy month. It started with Conference and a visit from Grandma! Of course we have been hiding and hunting for easter eggs all month. The kids don't really care if there is something in the eggs. It's the thrill of the hunt that they love. Candy is just a bonus. Katie had a piano recital, a choral concert/artshow, and then a talent show. Every Wed. and Sat. are filled with swimming lessons. We have eaten way too many PB&J sandwiches on the run this month!

Boys vs. Girls

I have probably said it before but I get such a kick out of watching the differences between my two youngest children. Ryan and Nicole fit the stereo types of boys and girls to a "T". The picture above is just one example. Nicole always wants to wear pink (flowers are even better) dresses. Ryan just wants to throw or climb on something. Yesterday morning we were at the park and as I looked at my two children I started laughing. The two of them had shared the exact same activities that morning, they had also had the exact same food. Nicole looked clean and beautiful in her little dress. Ryan had mud streaked up his leg, chocolate all over his face, and the entire front half of his body was soaked. Both were extremely happy!

Katie's Talent Show

Last night was the annual Blue Mountain Elementry Cressona Talent Show. Katie decided that she did not want to play the piano this year so we came up with this little skit/song that she preformed with her friend Emily. I think they were a little nervous on stage but I am proud of them for performing.